Irpinia Mood 2026, the food festival returns to Villa Amendola

Back to Irpinia Mood, the food festival that tells the story of Irpinia through food. tenth edition takes place from 27 to 30 August 2026 in the new location of Villa Amendola in Avellino, with over 90 chefs from all over Italy and free entry.

The theme of the 2026 edition is INTOLERANT, a play on words that combines the food allergies and intolerances on the rise and cultural intolerances of our time.

The theme of the 2026 edition: INTOLERANT

The word INTOLERANT starts from the concrete change in our kitchens: an investigation Epifa 2024 in Campania confirms the growth of food allergies. From here, the topic expands to become a key to understanding the present, questioning production processes and the contrasts between local and global, tradition and innovation.

Thematic tastings, showcooking and moments of discussion bring these themes into the festival, with the contribution of the scientific committee and the University of Sannio.

Over 90 chefs for allergen-free dishes

The chefs come from all over Italy, called by the gastronomic direction by Mirko BalzanoEveryone was asked to create a dish that gives up at least one of the five main allergens: gluten, lactose, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.

The shared bond gives rise to parallel paths: some work by subtraction, some surprise with an unexpected ingredient, some rethink a home recipe in a new way. Thanks to Coldiretti Avellino the raw materials come from selected local producers.

Villa Amendola, the new location

La eighteenth-century residence, home to the civic Museum and Nunzia Festa Municipal Library, is recognized by the FAI. Around the building there is an important botanical garden with sequoias, magnolias, holm oaks and banana trees.

To add to its charm, the underground caves where food and wine have been preserved for generations and which in 1943 hosted the people of Avellino during the bombings.

Timetables and useful info

The doors of Villa Amendola open to 19:00 and the evenings continue until midnight. Entrance is free and open to all: you can freely explore the chefs' stations and create your own tasting menu.

• When: from August 27 to 30, 2026, 19:00 PM to 24:00 AM
• WhereVilla Amendola, Via dei Due Principati 202, Avellino
• Entrance: free and free
• Assaggi: with the festival's web app, which indicates the allergens of each dish, or with a rechargeable card collected at the cash register

The festival is organized by Visit Irpinia under the patronage of Municipality of Avellino.

FAQ

Where is Irpinia Mood 2026 taking place?

A Villa Amendola, in Via dei Due Principati 202 in Avellino.

How much is admission?

Entrance is free and freeTastings can be paid for separately using the festival's web app or a prepaid card.

Are there dishes for those with allergies?

Yes, all of the chefs' dishes exclude at least one of the five main allergens, and the web app lists the allergens in each dish.